City on list to receive funds

$859K in land acquisition funding recommended

MANISTIQUE – The city of Manistique has been recommended for nearly $859,000 worth of funds from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund. The Michigan Legislature is expected to give final approve of the funds, slated for various lot acquisitions, sometime in 2013.

The MNRTF board of trustees recently recommended to the Michigan Legislature that 76 recreation development projects and land acquisitions totaling $23,538,700 be funded in 2013. Among the land acquisition requests was one from the city of Manistique, looking to obtain funds to acquire waterfront lots for development. The acquisition, now recommended for funding, includes $779,400 for the acquisition of Lake Michigan and Manistique River waterfront lots. The lots are located on the west side of Manistique, beside the Trader’s Point development. The lots would be used for a swimming beach, natural open space, and a multi-use path traversing the Manistique River lot.

According to City Manager Sheila Aldrich the lots include the 23 acres stretching from Traders Point Drive to a location across from Burger King on U.S. 2.

“This is where the DDA is looking to put in a campground,” she explained.

In addition, another $78,800 recommended acquisition includes Lot 7 of the Traders Point Condominiums. This lot would be used to make the west side of the Manistique River more accessible and provide parking to access the river.

“The DDA made the application for the grant, but it is in the name of the city, since the DDA can’t own property,” explained Aldrich. “We will now have to wait for the (legislative) process, then the lots have to be appraised by a state certified appraiser, and then we will get the go ahead to make the purchase.”

To actually develop the campground, swimming beach, and boardwalk extension planned on the properties, Aldrich said the city will be actively seeking other grants.

“We’re hoping we will be able to match one grant against the other to cover the cost of development,” she said.

As for the 25 percent match required to receive the land acquisition grant, Aldrich said the parties currently owning the property have agreed to donate the amount.

The MNRTF is a restricted fund that was established in 1976 to pr- 0vide funding for public acquisition of lands for resource protection and outdoor recreation.